Essendon has secured the services of Ben McKay from North Melbourne, with the key defender arriving at the NEC Hangar as a restricted free agent. 

The 25-year-old has committed to a six-year deal at the Bombers, being the club’s second move in the 2023 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period.

After making his debut in Round 23, 2017 and eight seasons at North Melbourne, McKay comes to the Bombers with 71 games under his belt.

At 202cm, McKay has demonstrated his ability to take on the competition’s best forwards, with his ability to win one-on-one contests a real strength for the defender.

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Hear from new Bomber, Ben McKay

A special message from Ben McKay who can't wait to don the sash in 2024 and beyond.

McKay will also reunite with Brad Scott, who was his coach at North Melbourne from 2015 to 2019.

The defender said he was excited to start the next stage of his career at the NEC Hangar.

“I’m extremely humbled to start a fresh chapter in my journey at Essendon,” McKay said.

“The opportunity that has presented itself at Essendon is something I’m very grateful for. With Brad working hard to create a world class football program, it’s something that I really want to be a part of and contribute strongly to, in the pursuit of taking this proud and powerful club back to where it belongs.

“I’m eager to play alongside and work with guys like Jordan Ridley, Andy McGrath, Mason Redman and Jayden Laverde in the backline, as well as working under coaches such as Daniel Giansiracusa, Blake Caracella and Dale Tapping.

“I would like to thank everybody at North Melbourne for my eight seasons at Arden Street. They have been nothing but supportive across my journey and wish them the very best moving forward.”

General Manager of List and Recruiting Adrian Dodoro said the club was thrilled to acquire McKay’s services.

“We are very excited to welcome Ben to the club. He will be an excellent addition to our backline through his experience and physical presence on the field,” Dodoro said.

“At more than 200cm tall, Ben can shut down opposition key forwards and will play a key role in our defensive structures.

“Working with Jordan Ridley, Jayden Laverde, Mason Redman and Andrew McGrath, Ben will add different element to our backline.”